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Your Preparation Station

Preparing for an outage is easier than you’d think, and particularly important in extreme cases when power loss lasts longer than expected — by stocking up on a few supplies and taking a few advance measures, you can keep your family safe and comfortable even when the power is out.

Supply Kit: What You Need

Keeping some basic necessities in supply — from medical prescriptions to canned goods — is the first step in staying ready for an extended outage. Stock up on essentials and keep them together in an accessible location if possible, so you’ll be able to get to them easily and quickly, even in the dark.

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Home Outage Kit Checklist

First Aid Kit: including unexpired prescription medications

Special Needs Items: for infants, elderly and/or disabled

A Battery-Operated Radio: to access news reports

Fresh Batteries: for all necessary equipment

Bottled Water: at least one gallon per person, per day

Non-Perishable Food: that doesn't require cooking

Manual Can Opener

Several Coolers or Ice Chests: to store ice if the outage is lengthy

Non-Cordless Phone: to plug in during outages

Flashlights: store them where you can easily find them

Getting Ready: What to Do

A little planning and preparation has a big payoff during an outage. Learning how to use your fuse or breaker boxes, installing surge protectors, and other small steps will help you manage an outage with minimal effort, while protecting your family, home and even electronics.

Install surge protectors to help safeguard valuable electronic equipment such as computers and home entertainment systems

Know where to find each utility box (electricity, water and gas) and how to turn them off. Keep the proper tools to do so handy

Always back up important work and files on your computer

If you have an automatic garage door or gate, learn how to open them manually (without power)

Consider keeping at least one car at least half full with fuel. Gas stations need electricity to pump gas and will be shut down during an outage Please note that stockpiling gasoline is NOT recommended. Gasoline is a hazardous, combustible substance. Portable gasoline generators should never be used inside homes, garages, office buildings or other enclosed spaces

Make a safety preparedness plan for your family that includes a list and location of the above items. Be prepared to meet the special needs of infants, and elderly or disabled family members. Also plan how you will care for any pets